Breast Reconstruction

Plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Franciscan Health - as part of our breast reconstruction surgical team - help create personalized treatment plans to provide the best cosmetic results and options.

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Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery is most often conducted to reconstruct breasts after mastectomy. Best results often require two separate surgical procedures. The first to install a tissue expander - a special implant placed beneath skin and muscle – to help the body replace tissue lost during the mastectomy. Later, the tissue expander is replaced with a permanent implant, and nipples and areola are reconstructed.

Breast Reconstruction to Restore a Normal Breast Appearance and Self-Confidence

Thanks to the latest advances in plastic surgery, breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer is very possible. The procedure is designed to rebuild the breast mound. The board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the Franciscan network are some of the top breast reconstruction surgeons in the country. Combining skill and experience, these surgeons are able to recreate all or part of the breast that has been surgically removed. Following breast reconstruction, many patients report a boost in emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life.

Who Can Get Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Ideal breast reconstruction candidates:

Are in good general health

Are undergoing a type of breast cancer treatment that will not be affected by breast reconstruction surgery

Want to restore their sense of well-being and confidence after losing one or both breasts, in whole or in part

Want to restore a normal breast appearance in size and shape, following a mastectomy or lumpectomy

Want to regain breast symmetry, when only one breast has been altered

Breast Reconstruction Options

Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure that will depend on each patient’s anatomical needs and preferences. Women have the choice to begin the reconstructive process during their mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or sometime afterwards (delayed reconstruction).

There are several options for breast reconstruction. Some women choose to reconstruct the breasts using saline or silicone implants. Today’s breast implants are natural-looking and designed to last for many years. Each type of implant has benefits and limitations, which the plastic surgeon will go over during the initial consultation. Before placing the breast implants, the breast surgeon will place a device called a tissue expander to create space (or a “pocket”) in the tissue to accommodate the implants. The saline or silicone implant will be placed within the pocket and closed with sutures.

Other women may choose to reconstruct the breast mound using tissue harvested from another body area, such as the abdomen or back. Reconstruction surgery that utilizes lower abdominal tissue is known as transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap surgery. Breast reconstruction that uses tissue from the back is known as latissimus dorsi flap surgery, while reconstruction that uses tissue from the buttocks area is known as gluteal flap surgery. In some cases, breast implants can be combined with a flap technique to recreate the breast.

In many cases, the nipple and areola reconstruction is the final step in breast reconstruction surgery. Nipple reconstruction can be completed using a variety of techniques, including skin grafts and tattooing.

Reconstructive breast surgeons work closely with each patient and their oncology team to design a safe treatment plan that achieves the best outcome. Several factors, including the patient’s health status, body type, quality and quantity of tissue available, and aesthetic goals will be taken into consideration when designing a breast reconstruction treatment plan.

Breast Reconstruction
Making a decision after breast surgery. Learn More

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Nurse practitioners (NP) are advanced practice registered nurses that manage acute and chronic medical conditions, both physical and mental, through history and physical exam and the ordering of diagnostic tests and medical treatments. NPs are qualified to diagnose medical problems, order treatments, perform advanced procedures, prescribe medications, and make referrals for a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions within their scope of practice. Their education includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other undergraduate degree, and requires a license as a registered nurse (RN) and experience as an RN in a health care setting. They must graduate from an accredited graduate (MSN) or doctoral (DNP) program and achieve a board certification.

Physician assistants (PA) typically obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose diseases, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists as required, and first or second-assist in surgery. Their education includes a bachelor’s degree, extensive clinical training from an accredited PA program and they must obtain a license to practice as a physician assistant.